NIOSH expands database to include PPE that protects against opioid exposure

In a recent Federal Register notice, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) announced its intent to expand its personal protective equipment (PPE) database to include PPE that protects against fentanyl exposure.

Fentanyl, an opioid medication, poses a potential hazard to emergency responders who come into contact with it in the course of their work. Possible exposure routes vary based on the source and form of the drug. Responders are most likely to encounter illicitly manufactured fentanyl and similar opioids in powder, tablet, and liquid form.

NIOSH says this new aspect of its PPE database will allow emergency responders to find products such as gloves and coveralls that are compliant (as confirmed by the manufacturer) with the protection standards outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fentanyl PPE Guidance.

The agency requests that manufacturers provide CDC with their product information for input into the database.